Istanbul’s Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu addresses his supporters in Istanbul, Turkey. Image credit: CNN
(The Post Script)- Turkish authorities have detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. His arrest is part of corruption and terror investigations. State broadcaster TRT, citing the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office, reported the news.
In a news report by CNN, detention orders have been issued for roughly 100 others connected to Imamoglu. His press adviser, Murat Ongun, is among those targeted. Imamoglu is a significant rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The detention occurred just days before the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) held a primary election. Imamoglu was expected to be the party’s presidential candidate.
Live footage showed police in riot gear and numerous security vehicles outside Imamoglu’s home. In a video on X, he expressed his sorrow over the situation, stating, “A handful of people… have sent the dear police, implicating them in this wrongful doing.” He emphasized that hundreds of police officers were at the door of his home, representing the 16 million residents of Istanbul.
Critics have labeled the detentions as politically motivated. They claim it is part of a crackdown on the opposition following Erdogan’s significant loss in local elections last year. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel referred to the detentions as a “coup attempt against our next president.” He argued that using force to undermine the will of the people constitutes a coup.
Following Imamoglu’s detention, Istanbul’s governorship suspended the right to protest until March 23. This move aims to “maintain public order.” Several metro stations and roads in central Istanbul have also been closed.
Internet access has been restricted to platforms like X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. Imamoglu and those associated with him face serious allegations, including being part of a criminal organization, extortion, bribery, and fraud. They are also accused of aiding terrorist organizations, notably the PKK and KCK.
Istanbul University’s announcement to annul his degree over alleged irregularities may further jeopardize his political future. Without a degree, he cannot run for president. Imamoglu plans to challenge the university’s decision legally, calling it “UNLAWFUL.”
He was initially elected mayor in 2019 and reelected in 2024. While the next presidential election is set for 2028, some analysts suggest Erdogan might push for early elections to avoid term limits. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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